Examine the data above relating to the Eyjafjallajökull volcano which erupted in April 2010 and answer the following questions: (i) What approximate height did the volcanic ash cloud rise to? (ii) How many cubic metres of ash were ejected by the volcano? (iii) Name two countries other than Iceland which had full or partial airspace closures - Leaving Cert Geography - Question A - 2011

The eruption resulted in an estimated 250 million cubic metres of ash being ejected. This massive volume of ash had extensive implications for air travel and the environment.

Countries that experienced full or partial airspace closures included Germany and the Netherlands. Other valid answers could include Finland, France, Norway, Austria, Hungary, Sweden, and Britain.

Volcanic activity occurs in Iceland primarily due to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are diverging. This tectonic activity allows magma to reach the Earth's surface, resulting in volcanic eruptions. Additionally, Iceland's hotspot conditions contribute further to its volcanic landscape.